title: Weft, warp, and weave: the intricate tapestry of calcium channels regulating T lymphocyte function.
abstract: Calcium (Ca(2+)) is a universal second messenger important for T lymphocyte homeostasis, activation, proliferation, differentiation, and apoptosis. The events surrounding Ca(2+) mobilization in lymphocytes are tightly regulated and involve the coordination of diverse ion channels, membrane receptors, and signaling molecules. A mechanism termed store-operated Ca(2+) entry (SOCE), causes depletion of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) Ca(2+) stores following T cell receptor (TCR) engagement and triggers a sustained influx of extracellular Ca(2+) through Ca(2+) release-activated Ca(2+) (CRAC) channels in the plasma membrane. The ER Ca(2+) sensing molecule, stromal interaction molecule 1 (STIM1), and a pore-forming plasma membrane protein, ORAI1, have been identified as important mediators of SOCE. Here, we review the role of several additional families of Ca(2+) channels expressed on the plasma membrane of T cells that likely contribute to Ca(2+) influx following TCR engagement, particularly highlighting an important role for voltage-dependent Ca(2+) channels (CaV) in T lymphocyte biology.
authors.affiliation: Michael Smith Laboratories, University of British Columbia , Vancouver, BC , Canada ; Centre for Blood Research, University of British Columbia , Vancouver, BC , Canada ; The Brain Research Centre, University of British Columbia , Vancouver, BC , Canada ; Department of Microbiology and Immunology, University of British Columbia , Vancouver, BC , Canada ; Department of Medical Genetics, University of British Columbia , Vancouver, BC , Canada ; Department of Zoology, University of British Columbia , Vancouver, BC , Canada.
authors.forename: Kyla D
authors.initials: KD
authors.lastname: Omilusik
authors.forename: Lilian L
authors.initials: LL
authors.lastname: Nohara
authors.forename: Shawna
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Stanwood
authors.forename: Wilfred A
authors.initials: WA
authors.lastname: Jefferies
keywords: L-type calcium channels; T cell; T cell signaling; calcium; calcium channels